istockphoto.com |
istockphoto.com |
Meenashshi temple, Madurai, TN temple zszywka. |
That devout Hindus never fail to follow the Tamil Calendar bear testimony to their deep-rooted faith and tradition, especially in Tamil Nadu where one can see the largest number of historical Hindu temples dating back to more than 1000 years. Many of them were patronized by Chola, Pandya, Chera, Pallava and Nayak dynasties, besides other local Hindu rulers called in Tamil ''Kurunila Mannargal''. The Hindus of Tamil Nadu have a firm belief in Astrology, the position of planets as per their horoscope and their belief is equally unshakable. A small percentage of the population sidelines all these as myth and superstitions and these unpatriotic and unethical atheist elements get a bad rap for this state.
Sangaranthi/Pongal festival, India.esamskriti.com |
An interesting fact is Hindu women, cutting across castes and creed in this state, are more religious and participate in religious activities with staunch faith and positive energy. They do it with utter dedication for the welfare of the family to surmount the difficult periods midway.
Religious festivals offer them a chance to express their trust in almighty and indulge in spiritual activities. Different communities following different traditions come together for a common cause relegating their social status, etc., to the back stage. Apart, such religious commitments promote integrity, social tolerance and faith in one's duty.
India is a land of festival and Tamil Nadu is no exception Almost every Tamil month there some kinds of religious activities, temple rituals or common festivities. Some Tamil months are auspicious and one or two have less significance.
Listed below are some important religious celebrations for each month. Dates are not not given as they may vary every year by a day or two. Besides the Gregorian months are given in parenthesis.
The following are the important festivals according to the Tamil Calendar:
The following are the important festivals according to the Tamil Calendar:
01. Chithirai (April -May):
The very first beginning of the Tamil year. 'Varusha pirappu' or 'Puthandu'- the Tamil New Year is observed in every household in this state and on this day people clean and decorate theirhome and after head bath and prayer they, including children, wear new clothing and seek blessings from the elderly.
Tamil new year day.indiatimes.com |
.ganeshaspeaks.com |
Taking part in Girivalam (walking barefoot clock-wise around the Arunachala hill) in Thiruvannamalai) and visiting temples or other holy places will help the devotees a lot.
The famous ''Chithirai Thiruvizha'' - Chithrai festival is cerebrated in Madurai city. As the 64 Thiruvilayadal took place in Madurai, the city is also known as ‘Boologa Kailaayam’.
newindianexpress.com |
meenakshi-weds-sundareswar, Madurai. nettv4u.com |
It is a 15 day annual celebration that actually lasts for almost one month. The first 15 days mark the grand celebrations of the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and the celestial wedding of of Lord Sundareswara (God Shiva). The next 15 days focus on the celebrations of the Journey of Lord Azhagar (Sri. Vishnu) from his near-by abode - Kallazhagar temple in Azhagar Kovil close to Madurai city.
After Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (the celestial wedding of Meenakshi), it is believed, both Lord Sundareswarar and Meenakshi ruled the Pandya Kingdom for a long time. The day after the wedding, the gods will be taken out in a procession on a nicely- decorated wooden temple car around the Masi Streets. This Ther Thiruvizha /Chariot festival also draws lots of people to the city from near-by villages.
Azhagar (Sri Vishnu) comes to Madurai and later gets into the river to bless the cursed Mandooka rishi - saint. Lord's arrival to Madurai is a great annual event and is a famous one; these festivals are part and parcel of Madurai city's historical tradition. The festival marks the beginning of the new financial year.
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Azhagar (Sri Vishnu) comes to Madurai and later gets into the river to bless the cursed Mandooka rishi - saint. Lord's arrival to Madurai is a great annual event and is a famous one; these festivals are part and parcel of Madurai city's historical tradition. The festival marks the beginning of the new financial year.
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\02. Vaikaasi (May-June):
Vaikaasi Visaakam is the most important day in this month. It is celebrated during Visakam Nakshatra. as the birthday of Lord Murugan who was brought up by Kathikai pengal (nymphs). Lord Muruga was created by Shiva and adopted by Parvati to slay the powerful demon called ''Soorpadman''. Hindus visit the temples dedicated to God Muruga (Karthikaya) for good health, prosperity, success in business, etc. The ten-day event-Brahmotsavam takes place to appease Lord Murugan.
In November Soorpadma Samharam is a great religious annual event taking place on the shores of Thiruchendur, TN and is attended by lakhs of devotees.
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03. Aani (June- July):
Aani (June- July): Aani Thirumanjanam or Aani Uttaram for Lord Nataraja is the most sanctified day in this month. It is believed God Nataraja gives darshan to his true devotees on this particular day. Aani Uthram is widely believed to be the day when Lord Shiva appeared before the holy Tamil Saivite Saint Sri Manikkavachakar underneath a Kurundai tree to offer him upadesha (advice). Thus this day is considered significant to the many devotees of Lord Nataraja. At the famous Chidambaram temple, this one is one of six 'Kala Puja' days offered during six seasons. It is to be borne in mind, here, the six season of one earthly year is, in fact, considered as one full day for the heavenly beings (gods & goddesses). The six periods are namely the dawn, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and night. The 3- hour Maha Puja will begin at 3 am in the morning to propitiate the lord.
cuddalore.nic.in |
https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/tamil-festivals.
htmlhttp://tamilanditsbest.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-months-of-tamil-calendar-have-great.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/thousands-gather-on-tiruchendur-shore-to-witness-soorasamharam/article7890036.ece
htmlhttp://tamilanditsbest.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-months-of-tamil-calendar-have-great.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/thousands-gather-on-tiruchendur-shore-to-witness-soorasamharam/article7890036.ece